Banaras Hindu University women scientists develop COVID-19 testing kit

Varanasi: Women researchers at the Banaras Hindu University (BHU) have developed a new testing method for COVID-19. The team has already patented the method.

According to reports, a group of women scientists at the Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, have developed a novel test method-based on RT PCR (Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction) for COVID-19 with 100 per cent accuracy.

Geeta Rai, the doctor who leads the research team comprising Doli Das, Khushbu Priya and Hiral Thacker, said: “Through this low-cost method, the results would be available within a few hours. We have got this method patented and approached the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) and Indian Council for Medical Research (ICMR) for further guidance and support in the matter so that it can be taken to the masses.”

According to her, this RT PCR (qualitative)-based detection method for coronavirus guarantees accuracy, low cost, rapid detection and no requirement for a probe or high cost machines.

The union government had given a call to startups, incubators and scientists to accelerate their efforts at finding solutions to the Covid-19 crisis that has met with overwhelming response.

IANS